4 minute read
Friend at the école
Movie Preview: Jungle Cruise
BY RANDAL C. HILL
Visually, Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” could be considered a mashup of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and stuntfueled Indiana Jones movies, with elements of the 1951 Bogart-Hepburn film classic “The African Queen” thrown in for good measure. The idea behind this summer’s probable first blockbuster movie was kicked around the Disney organization for quite a while. It was 15 years ago that Disney’s story creators first came up with an idea structured loosely around Disneyland’s popular Jungle Cruise ride. For various reasons, though, the idea was shelved until 2015, when the “Jungle Cruise” script was finally green-lighted. The completed offering has actually been on hold since 2019. But with the pandemic easing its grip this summer, Uncle Walt’s outfit is set to launch the slam-bang action tale—all familyfriendly, of course—nationwide. The film cleverly incorporates some of the standard elements of Disney’s popular Adventureland attraction—the oohing and ahhing over the scenery, the constant threat of danger, the appearance of potential interlopers. “Jungle Cruise” stars two of the day’s most bankable actors: Duane “The Rock” Johnson and Golden Globe-recipient Emily Blunt. Johnson portrays Captain Frank, the wisecracking owner/guide of a ramshackle river boat headed up the mighty Amazon.
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UK-born Blunt is the determined British explorer Doctor Lily Houghton, who is on a unique mission. “Legend has it that there is a tree that possesses unparalleled human power,” she explains to Frank. “It’ll change medicine forever.” But jaded Frank dismisses the tree as being the centerpiece of a long-running jungle rumor and opines with a sneer, “You’re searching for something that can’t be found.” He also offers a grim caveat to the brave doctor: “Everything that you see wants to kill you—and can.” In time, “everything” will include a litany of dangers that range from dart-shooting marauders to daunting and deadly creatures to churning holdon-for-dear-life rapids. Give the Gift of a Lift! The supporting cast features Jack Whitehall as Lily’s brother McGregor and Paul Giamatti as a crusty harbormaster. Edgar Ramirez and Jesse Plemons ramp up the tension as torpedolaunching German intruders determined to find the mystical tree first. Volunteer with us! The “Jungle Cruise” script came to life in the deft hands of respected actiondrama director Jaume Collet-Serra (“Non-Stop,” “Run All Night”). When it comes to movie settings, a dense, foreboding jungle can offer a wide What better way to help seniors in Pinellas County than by giving them a lift to a variety of possibilities. Of course, what’s also beyond that is the right story, the much needed medical appointment? In just two to four hours a week (or more, if right cast and the right director. With “Jungle Cruise,” Disney has checked all the you’d like!) volunteers deliver clients to and from medical appointments and boxes and is on track to release its first post-pandemic movie winner on July 30. pharmacies (up to ten miles from the client’s home, one way). We adhere to strict safety protocols for our volunteers and clients, and volunteers donotlift nor transport individualswith wheelchairs. GIVE THE GIFT Choose the region of the county that works best for you OF A LIFT! Attend orientation and driver training Volunteer with us! Clear a Level II background screening and driver records check What better way to help seniors in Pinellas County than by giving them a lift to a much-needed medical
To learn more appointment? In just two to four hours a week (or more, if you’d like!) volunteers and to apply,open your phone’s photo app and hover over the QR code deliver clients to and from medical appointments and pharmacies (up to ten miles from the client’s home, one way). We adhere to strict safety protocols for our above, or visit us at neighborly.org,complete the online application,and volunteers and clients, and volunteers do not lift nor transport individuals with choose your orientation(be sure to choose one for transportation drivers!). wheelchairs. • Choose the region of the county that works best for you • Attend orientation and driver training • Clear a Level II background screening and driver records check To learn more and to apply, open your phone’s photo app and hover over the QR code above, or visit us at neighborly.org, complete the online application, and choose your orientation (be sure to choose one for transportation drivers!). Thank you! 13945 Evergreen Avenue, 4th Floor, Clearwater, FL 33762 Tel: 727-573-9444 www.Neighborly.org
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